Police talks still ongoing in Onaway

The Onaway City Commission heard an update on a possible agreement with the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department for local police coverage during its regular meeting on Monday.

By Shawna Jankoviakshawna@cheboygantribune.com

The Onaway City Commission heard an update on a possible agreement with the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department for local police coverage during its regular meeting on Monday.Onaway City Manager told the panel he met with the sheriff and undersheriff last week to discuss an agreement that would provide some guaranteed nighttime coverage in Onaway.“That coverage may be provided by existing deputies, or the sheriff may ask to hire an additional deputy,” Hefele reported, noting the sheriff is not interested in any agreement that would force him to hire a specific person.A scenario was discussed in which the sheriff would guarantee the City of Onaway 16 hours of nighttime patrol per week at a cost of $25,000 per year, Hefele explained. The Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department would also provide routine investigations and patrol in addition to the nighttime coverage.The City of Onaway would continue to make its police building available to the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department through this scenario, Hefele continued. The building cost, including utilities and property insurance, is approximately $5,000 per year.The total cost to the city would be approximately $30,000 per year, which is $45,000 to $50,000 less than what the city had been spending on the one-man Onaway Police Department, according to Hefele. The city would have no overtime, payroll tax, unemployment insurance, worker’s comp insurance, liability insurance, gasoline or equipment expenses that it has paid in the past.“Obviously, this would go a long way toward plugging the large general fund budget deficit ($50,000 to $60,000 per year) caused by an $80,000 reduction in property tax revenue and revenue sharing,” Hefele said.Pending a finalized agreement, Onaway would fall under regular law enforcement coverage by the county.“Until we are able to finalize such an agreement, and I believe we will be shooting for the beginning of the county’s fiscal year, July 1, Onaway will be patrolled by the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department similar to the patrol received by other county residents,” Hefele reported. “This includes Millersburg, Posen and all of the townships. I have faith that the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department will place officers where the sheriff believes they are most needed as we work to get an agreement done.”Hefele asked the City Commission for a motion to direct staff to continue to explore an agreement with the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department, which the panel made and approved. He said he is hopeful that he can bring back a draft of an agreement to the May 20 regular meeting.“I continue to believe that an agreement with the Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department is the best way to proceed,” Hefele added in his report. “No matter what, we must have a general fund where revenues are covering expenses.”